Being Deployed..........

As some of you already know, as of February 18, 2009 I have been recalled to active duty (part of the 17,000 Troop Reserve Recall) and ordered to the Middle East in support of the Operation Iraqi Freedom/ Enduring Freedom. I am to report for training in April and be "boots on the ground" in the desert by June 1st. The details are still unknown at this time as to what exactly I will be doing over there. It will not have anything to do with my job that I have trained for in the Navy, and in fact I will be attached to a Marine/Navy Battalion. This has come to all of us as a shock and the timing couldn't be at a worse time. Lauren and I are expecting our little baby girl June 3rd, two days after I am schedule to leave the country. Currently I am seeking a delay (a possible month) of my report date to Kuwait, but that is just something that has to be approved by Naval Command Forces in Washington, D.C.. Chances look good, but as with the military and "Mission Readiness" such request can and some times often are not approved. Keep that thought in mind, of a "delay", when you say your prayers tonight and each night there after.

This again has become such a shock to Lauren and I, and we totally did not expect this to happen. As I have said, the timing is just horrible. We are both first time parents and to know that I might not be there holding Lauren's hand while we welcome our beautiful baby girl into the world is just heart wrenching. I have been pretty torn up about the thought of being away from Lauren and my child for a year. It is very possible that I will miss all the things that most Fathers get to experience....ya know the little things. First smile, first laugh and giggle, first bath, first crawl, first words, first steps, and the first time seeing your child look at you and for them to know that you are their Father. That is all really tough to swallow..........but, with all those things that I know I will miss, I know that I have a job to do and I know that my "Country" has called on me to serve once more (not trying to sound cliche). But there has been men and women who have gone before me and made the same sacrifice as I shall have to make. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice, and to complain and moan about going over and defending my country would do a dishonor and disgrace to those who have been lost. I decided, back in September 2001, that I would join the Armed Forces and give back to my Country, and do my part in this fight for freedom. I signed up and VOLUNTEERED for this fight 8 years ago, and it is important all of you know and understand that!!!! We are at WAR. I don't like war, in fact I hate it, but we entered into this WAR on terror at a time not of our choosing (September 11, 2001).America didn't ask to be attacked. Terrorist struck first and we MUST be the ones who strike LAST. As GWB said, "this fight against terroism will end at a time of America's choosing." Terrorist are still plotting to kill, so we must continue to defend, and fight at whatever "means and cost" necessary.

I Love Lauren so very much and I already have a feeling in my heart that I would do anything in this world to secure my child's life and safety.....even if it means being separated from the both of them and sent over to another country in order to do it. We are going to make it through all of this. I ask for your support for not just me, per say, but for Lauren and our child while I am gone.

In closing, I have a video that I saw while in the Navy that I would like to share with all of you. It will only take a short time to watch it. It shows the Navy/ Marine Corp Team hard at work in the fight with the War on Terrorism. It may give you a little insight as to what I will be doing, and what it is like to be focused on the Mission at hand, even when separated from those you love. Please take note as to the tail end of the video. It shows you that we do come home, and that there is a happy ending to such a difficult time as being deployed. Thank you so much for you support. Love you all